List of earthquakes in 1949 explained
This is a list of earthquakes in 1949. Only magnitude 6.0 or greater earthquakes appear on the list. Lower magnitude events are included if they have caused death, injury or damage. Events which occurred in remote areas will be excluded from the list as they wouldn't have generated significant media interest. All dates are listed according to UTC time. Three events took up the vast majority of the deaths for 1949. The events happened during a volatile mid year period seismically speaking. Firstly in Tajikistan in July 12,000 were killed. A few weeks later in early August a quake struck Ecuador leaving 6,000 dead. In mid August Turkey suffered from an earthquake leaving another 320 dead. Also in this part of the year was the largest quake, a magnitude 8.0 in Canada.
Overall
By death toll
- Note: At least 10 casualties
By magnitude
Rank | Magnitude | Death toll | Location | MMI | Depth (km) | Date |
---|
1 | | | Canada, western Haida Gwaii | | | |
2 | | | Chile, Magallanes y la Antártica Chilena Region | | | |
= 3 | | | Afghanistan, Badakhshan Province | | | |
= 3 | | | , Districts of Republican Subordination | | | |
= 3 | | | Tonga | | | |
4 | | | Philippines, Mindanao | | | |
= 5 | | | China, southern Xinjiang Province | | | |
= 5 | | | Chile, Tarapaca Region | | | |
= 5 | | | New Zealand, Kermadec Islands | | | |
= 5 | | | Chile, Magallanes y la Antártica Chilena Region | | | |
= 6 | | | | | | |
= 6 | | | Australia, west of Bougainville Island, New Guinea | | | |
= 7 | | | United States, Northern Mariana Islands | | | |
= 7 | | | Philippines, Luzon | | | |
= 8 | | | Fiji | | | |
= 8 | | | Indonesia, north of Halmahera | | | | |
- Note: At least 7.0 magnitude
Notable events
January
Month: | January |
8.0–8.9: | 0 |
7.0–7.9: | 1 |
6.0–6.9: | 4 |
Largest: | 7.0 Mw Fiji |
Fatalities: | 0 |
Date! rowspan="2" style="width: 310px"Country and location | Mw | Depth (km) | MMI | Notes | Casualties |
---|
Dead | Injured |
---|
[1] | , off the east coast | 6.5 | 0.0 | | Depth unknown. | | |
[2] | | 6.5 | 0.0 | | Depth unknown. | | |
[3] | | 7.0 | 104.1 | | | | |
[4] | | 6.5 | 0.0 | | Unknown depth. | | |
[5] | | 6.0 | 0.0 | | Aftershock. Unknown depth. | | | |
February
Month: | February |
8.0–8.9: | 0 |
7.0–7.9: | 1 |
6.0–6.9: | 5 |
Largest: | 7.3 Mw China |
Deadliest: | 7.3 Mw China 21 deaths |
Fatalities: | 21 |
Date! rowspan="2" style="width: 310px"Country and location | Mw | Depth (km) | MMI | Notes | Casualties |
---|
Dead | Injured |
---|
[6] | | 6.8 | 220.0 | | | | |
[7] | | 6.2 | 170.0 | | | | |
[8] | | 6.8 | 0.0 | | Depth unknown. | | |
[9] | | 6.7 | 15.0 | | | | |
[10] | | 6.5 | 0.0 | | Depth unknown. | | |
[11] [12] [13] | | 7.3 | 10.0 | | 21 people were killed and 17 were injured. 1,010 homes were destroyed. | 21 | 17 | |
March
Month: | March |
8.0–8.9: | 0 |
7.0–7.9: | 2 |
6.0–6.9: | 3 |
Largest: | 7.5 Mw Afghanistan |
Fatalities: | 0 |
April
Month: | April |
8.0–8.9: | 0 |
7.0–7.9: | 2 |
6.0–6.9: | 7 |
Largest: | 7.4 Mw Philippines |
Deadliest: | 6.9 Mw Chile 57 deaths |
Fatalities: | 65 |
Date! rowspan="2" style="width: 310px"Country and location | Mw | Depth (km) | MMI | Notes | Casualties |
---|
Dead | Injured |
---|
[24] | | 6.7 | 574.5 | | | | |
[25] [26] [27] | | 6.8 | 70.0 | | 8 people were killed in the 1949 Olympia earthquake. Property damage costs were around $25 million (1949 rate). | 8 | |
[28] | | 6.8 | 60.0 | | | | |
[29] | | 6.5 | 0.0 | | Depth unknown. | | |
[30] [31] [32] | | 6.9 | 57.7 | | 57 people were killed and some damage was caused. | 57 | |
[33] [34] | | 6.4 | 20.0 | | | | |
[35] | | 6.3 | 100.0 | | Major damage was caused. | | |
[36] | | 7.3 | 101.1 | | | | |
[37] | | 7.4 | 127.0 | | | | | |
May
Month: | May |
8.0–8.9: | 0 |
7.0–7.9: | 0 |
6.0–6.9: | 7 |
Largest: | 6.8 Mw 2 events |
Fatalities: | 0 |
Date! rowspan="2" style="width: 310px"Country and location | Mw | Depth (km) | MMI | Notes | Casualties |
---|
Dead | Injured |
---|
[38] | | 6.8 | 138.8 | | | | |
[39] | | 6.6 | 119.3 | | | | |
[40] [41] | | 6.5 | 50.0 | | | | |
[42] | | 6.2 | 40.0 | | | | |
[43] | | 6.5 | 160.0 | | | | |
[44] | | 6.5 | 100.0 | | | | |
[45] | | 6.8 | 97.7 | | | | | |
June
Month: | June |
8.0–8.9: | 0 |
7.0–7.9: | 0 |
6.0–6.9: | 5 |
Largest: | 6.9 Mw Argentina, 2 events |
Fatalities: | 0 |
July
Month: | July |
8.0–8.9: | 0 |
7.0–7.9: | 3 |
6.0–6.9: | 7 |
Deadliest: | 7.5 Mw 12,000 deaths |
Fatalities: | 12,007 |
Date! rowspan="2" style="width: 310px"Country and location | Mw | Depth (km) | MMI | Notes | Casualties |
---|
Dead | Injured |
---|
[52] | | 7.1 | 15.0 | | | | |
[53] | | 6.0 | 100.0 | | | | |
[54] [55] [56] | | 7.5 | 20.0 | | The 1949 Khait earthquake caused a series of large landslides. The estimated death toll was around 12,000. Major destruction was caused in the area. Many homes were destroyed. Large aftershocks followed. | 12,000 | |
[57] [58] | | 6.7 | 20.0 | | Aftershock. | | |
[59] [60] | | 6.9 | 20.0 | | Aftershock. | | |
[61] | | 6.5 | 65.0 | | | | |
[62] | | 7.2 | 145.0 | | | | |
[63] [64] [65] | | 6.5 | 15.0 | | 7 people were killed and 435 were injured. 534 homes were destroyed. Another 5,501 were damaged. | 7 | 435 |
[66] | | 6.6 | 210.0 | | | | |
[67] | | 6.5 | 25.0 | | | | | |
August
Month: | August |
8.0–8.9: | 1 |
7.0–7.9: | 1 |
6.0–6.9: | 6 |
Largest: | 8.0 Mw Canada |
Deadliest: | 6.5 Mw Ecuador 6,000 deaths |
Fatalities: | 6,320 |
September
Month: | September |
8.0–8.9: | 0 |
7.0–7.9: | 0 |
6.0–6.9: | 5 |
Largest: | 6.9 Mw Indonesia |
Fatalities: | 0 |
Date! rowspan="2" style="width: 310px"Country and location | Mw | Depth (km) | MMI | Notes | Casualties |
---|
Dead | Injured |
---|
[81] | | 6.4 | 80.0 | | | | |
[82] | | 6.9 | 15.0 | | | | |
[83] | | 6.5 | 0.0 | | Unknown depth. | | |
[84] [85] | | 6.7 | 50.0 | | | | |
[86] | Fiji, south of | 6.5 | 0.0 | | Unknown depth. | | | |
October
Month: | October |
8.0–8.9: | 0 |
7.0–7.9: | 1 |
6.0–6.9: | 4 |
Largest: | 7.2 Mw Australia |
Fatalities: | 0 |
November
Month: | November |
8.0–8.9: | 0 |
7.0–7.9: | 1 |
6.0–6.9: | 4 |
5.0-5.9: | 1 |
Largest: | 7.3 Mw New Zealand |
Deadliest: | 5.5 Mw China 51+ deaths |
Fatalities: | 51+ |
Date! rowspan="2" style="width: 310px"Country and location | Mw | Depth (km) | MMI | Notes | Casualties |
---|
Dead | Injured |
---|
[92] | | 6.8 | 145.0 | | | | |
[93] [94] | | 6.6 | 35.0 | | | | |
[95] | | 5.5 | 0.0 | | At least 51 people were killed and some damage was caused. Depth unknown. | 51+ | |
[96] | | 0.0 | 0.0 | | Damage to oil wells was reported costing $9 million (1949 rate). Magnitude and depth unknown. | | |
[97] [98] | | 6.8 | 10.0 | | | | |
[99] | | 7.3 | 205.0 | | | | |
[100] | | 6.6 | 15.0 | | | | | |
December
Month: | December |
8.0–8.9: | 0 |
7.0–7.9: | 3 |
6.0–6.9: | 8 |
Largest: | 7.7 Mw Chile |
Deadliest: | 7.1 Mw Philippines 16 deaths |
Fatalities: | 20 |
Notes and References
- Web site: On-Line Bulletin. International Seismological Centre. November 1, 2016 . January 19, 1949.
- Web site: On-Line Bulletin. International Seismological Centre. November 1, 2016 . January 20, 1949.
- Web site: On-Line Bulletin. International Seismological Centre. November 1, 2016 . January 24, 1949.
- Web site: On-Line Bulletin. International Seismological Centre. November 1, 2016 . January 27, 1949.
- Web site: On-Line Bulletin. International Seismological Centre. November 1, 2016 . January 27, 1949.
- Web site: M 6.8 - Andreanof Islands, Aleutian Islands, Alaska. United States Geological Survey. August 31, 2020 . February 2, 1949.
- Web site: On-Line Bulletin. International Seismological Centre. November 1, 2016 . February 9, 1949.
- Web site: On-Line Bulletin. International Seismological Centre. November 1, 2016 . February 10, 1949.
- Web site: M 6.7 - south of the Kermadec Islands. United States Geological Survey. November 1, 2016 . February 13, 1949.
- Web site: On-Line Bulletin. International Seismological Centre. November 1, 2016 . February 14, 1949.
- Web site: M 7.3 - southern Xinjiang, China. United States Geological Survey. November 1, 2016 . February 23, 1949.
- Web site: M 7.3 - southern Xinjiang, China. United States Geological Survey. August 31, 2020 . February 23, 1949.
- Web site: Significant Earthquake: CHINA: XINJIANG PROVINCE. National Geophysical Data Center. November 1, 2016 . February 23, 1949.
- Web site: M 7.5 - Hindu Kush region, Afghanistan. United States Geological Survey. November 1, 2016 . March 4, 1949.
- Web site: M 7.5 - Hindu Kush region, Afghanistan. United States Geological Survey. August 31, 2020 . March 4, 1949.
- Web site: Significant Earthquake: AFGHANISTAN: HINDU-KUSH, WEST PUNJAB. National Geophysical Data Center. November 1, 2016 . March 4, 1949.
- Web site: M 6.6 - New Britain region, Papua New Guinea. United States Geological Survey. November 1, 2016 . March 16, 1949.
- Web site: M 6.6 - New Britain region, Papua New Guinea. United States Geological Survey. August 31, 2020 . March 16, 1949.
- Web site: M 6.5 - New Britain region, Papua New Guinea. United States Geological Survey. November 1, 2016 . March 17, 1949.
- Web site: M 6.5 - New Britain region, Papua New Guinea. United States Geological Survey. August 31, 2020 . March 17, 1949.
- Web site: M 6.5 - off the coast of Northern California. United States Geological Survey. November 1, 2016 . March 24, 1949.
- Web site: M 7.0 - Molucca Sea. United States Geological Survey. November 1, 2016 . March 27, 1949.
- Web site: M 7.0 - Molucca Sea. United States Geological Survey. August 31, 2020 . March 27, 1949.
- Web site: On-Line Bulletin. International Seismological Centre. November 1, 2016 . April 5, 1949.
- Web site: M 6.8 - Seattle-Tacoma urban area, Washington. United States Geological Survey. September 4, 2020 . April 13, 1949.
- Web site: M 6.8 - Seattle-Tacoma urban area, Washington. United States Geological Survey. September 4, 2020 . April 13, 1949.
- Web site: Significant Earthquake: WASHINGTON. National Geophysical Data Center. November 1, 2016 . April 13, 1949.
- Web site: On-Line Bulletin. International Seismological Centre. November 1, 2016 . April 18, 1949.
- Web site: On-Line Bulletin. International Seismological Centre. November 1, 2016 . April 19, 1949.
- Web site: M 6.9 - Araucania, Chile. United States Geological Survey. November 1, 2016 . April 20, 1949.
- Web site: M 6.9 - Araucania, Chile. United States Geological Survey. September 4, 2020 . April 20, 1949.
- Web site: Significant Earthquake: CHILE: ANGOL, TRAIGUEN. National Geophysical Data Center. November 1, 2016 . April 20, 1949.
- Web site: M 6.4 - Flores Sea. United States Geological Survey. November 1, 2016 . April 23, 1949.
- Web site: M 6.4 - Flores Sea. United States Geological Survey. September 4, 2020 . April 23, 1949.
- Web site: Significant Earthquake: IRAN: MAKHL-E-NAKHODA,BANDAR ABBAS,BAZAAR. National Geophysical Data Center. November 1, 2016 . April 24, 1949.
- Web site: On-Line Bulletin. International Seismological Centre. November 1, 2016 . April 25, 1949.
- Web site: On-Line Bulletin. International Seismological Centre. November 1, 2016 . April 30, 1949.
- Web site: On-Line Bulletin. International Seismological Centre. November 3, 2016 . May 3, 1949.
- Web site: On-Line Bulletin. International Seismological Centre. November 3, 2016 . May 8, 1949.
- Web site: M 6.5 - northern Sumatra, Indonesia. United States Geological Survey. November 3, 2016 . May 9, 1949.
- Web site: M 6.5 - northern Sumatra, Indonesia. United States Geological Survey. September 5, 2020 . May 9, 1949.
- Web site: On-Line Bulletin. International Seismological Centre. November 3, 2016 . May 21, 1949.
- Web site: On-Line Bulletin. International Seismological Centre. November 3, 2016 . May 23, 1949.
- Web site: On-Line Bulletin. International Seismological Centre. November 3, 2016 . May 24, 1949.
- Web site: On-Line Bulletin. International Seismological Centre. November 3, 2016 . May 30, 1949.
- Web site: On-Line Bulletin. International Seismological Centre. November 3, 2016 . June 12, 1949.
- Web site: On-Line Bulletin. International Seismological Centre. November 3, 2016 . June 12, 1949.
- Web site: On-Line Bulletin. International Seismological Centre. November 3, 2016 . June 23, 1949.
- Web site: M 6.3 - Sunda Strait, Indonesia. United States Geological Survey. November 3, 2016 . June 24, 1949.
- Web site: M 6.3 - Sunda Strait, Indonesia. United States Geological Survey. September 5, 2020 . June 24, 1949.
- Web site: On-Line Bulletin. International Seismological Centre. November 3, 2016 . June 26, 1949.
- Web site: M 7.1 - Mariana Islands region. United States Geological Survey. November 3, 2016 . July 2, 1949.
- Web site: On-Line Bulletin. International Seismological Centre. November 3, 2016 . July 8, 1949.
- Web site: M 7.5 - Tajikistan. United States Geological Survey. November 3, 2016 . July 10, 1949.
- Web site: M 7.5 - Tajikistan. United States Geological Survey. September 5, 2020 . July 10, 1949.
- Web site: Significant Earthquake: TAJIKISTAN. National Geophysical Data Center. November 3, 2016 . July 10, 1949.
- Web site: M 6.7 - Tajikistan. United States Geological Survey. November 3, 2016 . July 10, 1949.
- Web site: M 6.7 - Tajikistan. United States Geological Survey. September 5, 2020 . July 10, 1949.
- Web site: M 6.9 - Tajikistan. United States Geological Survey. November 3, 2016 . July 10, 1949.
- Web site: M 6.9 - Tajikistan. United States Geological Survey. September 5, 2020 . July 10, 1949.
- Web site: On-Line Bulletin. International Seismological Centre. November 3, 2016 . July 21, 1949.
- Web site: On-Line Bulletin. International Seismological Centre. November 3, 2016 . July 23, 1949.
- Web site: M 6.5 - near the coast of western Turkey. United States Geological Survey. November 3, 2016 . July 23, 1949.
- Web site: M 6.5 - near the coast of western Turkey. United States Geological Survey. September 5, 2020 . July 23, 1949.
- Web site: Significant Earthquake: GREECE: CHIOS, OENOUSSAE; TURKEY: KARABURUN. National Geophysical Data Center. November 3, 2016 . July 23, 1949.
- Web site: On-Line Bulletin. International Seismological Centre. November 3, 2016 . July 25, 1949.
- Web site: M 6.5 - Kermadec Islands region. United States Geological Survey. November 3, 2016 . July 27, 1949.
- Web site: M 6.5 - Ecuador. United States Geological Survey. November 3, 2016 . August 5, 1949.
- Web site: M 6.5 - Ecuador. United States Geological Survey. September 6, 2020 . August 5, 1949.
- Web site: Significant Earthquake: ECUADOR. National Geophysical Data Center. November 3, 2016 . August 5, 1949.
- Web site: On-Line Bulletin. International Seismological Centre. November 3, 2016 . August 6, 1949.
- Web site: On-Line Bulletin. International Seismological Centre. November 3, 2016 . August 17, 1949.
- Web site: M 6.8 - eastern Turkey. United States Geological Survey. November 3, 2016 . August 17, 1949.
- Web site: M 6.8 - eastern Turkey. United States Geological Survey. September 6, 2020 . August 17, 1949.
- Web site: Significant Earthquake: TURKEY: KARLIOVA. National Geophysical Data Center. November 3, 2016 . August 17, 1949.
- Web site: On-Line Bulletin. International Seismological Centre. November 3, 2016 . August 18, 1949.
- Web site: M 8.0 - Haida Gwaii, Canada. United States Geological Survey. November 3, 2016 . August 22, 1949.
- Web site: M 8.0 - Haida Gwaii, Canada. United States Geological Survey. September 6, 2020 . August 22, 1949.
- Web site: M 6.3 - Haida Gwaii, Canada. United States Geological Survey. November 3, 2016 . August 23, 1949.
- Web site: M 6.8 - Andreanof Islands, Aleutian Islands, Alaska. United States Geological Survey. September 6, 2020 . August 25, 1949.
- Web site: Significant Earthquake: PHILIPPINES: N LUZON. National Geophysical Data Center. November 3, 2016 . September 5, 1949.
- Web site: M 6.9 - Molucca Sea. United States Geological Survey. November 3, 2016 . September 14, 1949.
- Web site: On-Line Bulletin. International Seismological Centre. November 3, 2016 . September 25, 1949.
- Web site: M 6.7 - Kenai Peninsula, Alaska. United States Geological Survey. November 3, 2016 . September 27, 1949.
- Web site: M 6.7 - Kenai Peninsula, Alaska. United States Geological Survey. September 6, 2020 . September 27, 1949.
- Web site: On-Line Bulletin. International Seismological Centre. November 3, 2016 . September 30, 1949.
- Web site: On-Line Bulletin. International Seismological Centre. November 3, 2016 . October 1, 1949.
- Web site: On-Line Bulletin. International Seismological Centre. November 3, 2016 . October 19, 1949.
- Web site: On-Line Bulletin. International Seismological Centre. November 3, 2016 . October 20, 1949.
- Web site: M 6.3 - Southeastern Alaska. United States Geological Survey. September 6, 2020 . October 31, 1949.
- Web site: On-Line Bulletin. International Seismological Centre. November 3, 2016 . October 31, 1949.
- Web site: On-Line Bulletin. International Seismological Centre. November 3, 2016 . November 3, 1949.
- Web site: M 6.6 - Vanuatu. United States Geological Survey. November 3, 2016 . November 7, 1949.
- Web site: M 6.6 - Vanuatu. United States Geological Survey. September 6, 2020 . November 7, 1949.
- Web site: Significant Earthquake: CHINA: SICHUAN PROVINCE. National Geophysical Data Center. November 3, 2016 . November 13, 1949.
- Web site: Significant Earthquake: CALIFORNIA: SOUTHERN. National Geophysical Data Center. November 3, 2016 . November 17, 1949.
- Web site: M 6.8 - Gulf of California. United States Geological Survey. November 3, 2016 . November 20, 1949.
- Web site: M 6.8 - Gulf of California. United States Geological Survey. September 6, 2020 . November 20, 1949.
- Web site: On-Line Bulletin. International Seismological Centre. November 3, 2016 . November 22, 1949.
- Web site: M 6.6 - Tonga. United States Geological Survey. November 3, 2016 . November 27, 1949.
- Web site: M 7.7 - Tierra del Fuego, Magallanes, Chile. United States Geological Survey. November 3, 2016 . December 17, 1949.
- Web site: M 7.7 - Tierra del Fuego, Magallanes, Chile. United States Geological Survey. September 6, 2020 . December 17, 1949.
- Web site: Significant Earthquake: CHILE: TIERRA DEL FUEGO. National Geophysical Data Center. November 3, 2016 . December 17, 1949.
- Web site: M 7.3 - Tierra del Fuego, Magallanes, Chile. United States Geological Survey. November 3, 2016 . December 17, 1949.
- Web site: M 7.3 - Tierra del Fuego, Magallanes, Chile. United States Geological Survey. September 6, 2020 . December 17, 1949.
- Web site: Significant Earthquake: CHILE: TIERRA DEL FUEGO. National Geophysical Data Center. November 3, 2016 . December 17, 1949.
- Web site: On-Line Bulletin. International Seismological Centre. November 3, 2016 . December 18, 1949.
- Web site: On-Line Bulletin. International Seismological Centre. November 3, 2016 . December 21, 1949.
- Web site: On-Line Bulletin. International Seismological Centre. November 3, 2016 . December 22, 1949.
- Web site: On-Line Bulletin. International Seismological Centre. November 3, 2016 . December 25, 1949.
- Web site: M 6.3 - eastern Honshu, Japan. United States Geological Survey. November 3, 2016 . December 25, 1949.
- Web site: M 6.3 - eastern Honshu, Japan. United States Geological Survey. September 6, 2020 . December 25, 1949.
- Web site: M 6.3 - eastern Honshu, Japan. United States Geological Survey. November 3, 2016 . December 25, 1949.
- Web site: M 6.3 - eastern Honshu, Japan. United States Geological Survey. September 6, 2020 . December 25, 1949.
- Web site: M 6.9 - Fiji region. United States Geological Survey. November 3, 2016 . December 26, 1949.
- Web site: M 6.9 - Fiji region. United States Geological Survey. September 6, 2020 . December 26, 1949.
- Web site: M 7.1 - Luzon, Philippines. United States Geological Survey. November 3, 2016 . December 29, 1949.
- Web site: M 7.1 - Luzon, Philippines. United States Geological Survey. September 6, 2020 . December 29, 1949.
- Web site: Significant Earthquake: PHILIPPINES: LUZON: E. National Geophysical Data Center. November 3, 2016 . December 29, 1949.
- Web site: Tsunami Event: E. LUZON ISLAND. National Geophysical Data Center. September 6, 2020 . December 29, 1949.
- Web site: On-Line Bulletin. International Seismological Centre. November 3, 2016 . December 29, 1949.